$10k boost for families of quake victims

A family member lays a flower in remembrance with those that gathered at Hagley Park a year after the quake. Photo / NZ Herald

Families still struggling with the loss of loved ones in the Christchurch earthquake have been given a financial boost, with each to receive $10,000 from the New Zealand Red Cross.

The Red Cross Earthquake Commission today approved the grants for each of the 185 bereaved families, following the initial $10,000 payment made to the families a month after the deadly February 2011 quake.

Commission head Sir John Hansen said many of those who donated to the Earthquake Appeal gave money to help the families of those killed and injured.

"As well as dealing with damaged homes and ongoing aftershocks like many other Cantabrians, this group of people is also having to contend with the emotional and practical implications of losing a loved one," Sir John said.

"Feedback we have received indicates many are still struggling financially, especially those who have been left as the sole parent."

The Red Cross is also giving more assistance to those most seriously injured in the quake, after an initial payment of $750 each to 23 people last year.

More than $115 million has been raised by the Red Cross from the September and February earthquake appeals.

In total, almost $68m in grants has been to 77,308 people. The remaining $33m is earmarked for grants which are still open.